Community groups were developed to help you find community within Marin.  These groups, consisting of four to twelve people, meet on a weekly basis in several communities within Marin (currently North Novato, South Novato, San Rafael, Santa Venetia, San Anselmo, and Mill Valley).  All of the groups are focused on helping you feel comfortable in a group of peers so you can fellowship, learn, and grow in your faith.  Wherever you are on your faith journey, there is a group for you. 

There are five purposes to our community groups. They exist to help you

• Form meaningful relationships with others
• Give and receive support for the daily pressures of life
• Understand how God's grace can radically change your life
• Get to know God and how He can impact your day to day life
• Get to know the Bible better and how it applies to your daily life

On this page we've addressed three frequently asked questions regarding our community groups?

 What will I gain from a Community Group?

You will become more familiar with the truths of the Bible.

Community groups are the perfect environment to ask questions, share insights, and gain other’s perspective on Biblical issues. The interactive environment of a community group can help you learn more about how to apply God’s word to your personal life.

You will feel like part of God’s family.

One of the things many people say after attending a community group is that they feel connected. We build into our community groups a sense of belonging.

In a small group, you can share the things that are happening in your life.  You’ll find people will listen,  provide encouragement and pray with you.  God intended for us to share our lives with others. 

You will be better able to handle the life pressures we all face.

A community group is a support system.  All of us experience times of crisis, change and stress.  To know there is a group of people to hold you up during that time is a strengthening, stabilizing force.  When you are part of a community group, there are people ready and willing to stand beside you and lend a hand. 

"As a newlywed, I really benefited from the encouragement of other couples in my group, both young and old.  They gave me tips on conflict resolution and relating to my spouse and encouraged me as I worked through the bumps that came with marriage."  -- Sara

You will experience New Testament Christianity.

It is clear throughout the New Testament that people in the early church gathered together in community groups to worship, study the Bible,  pray and share with each other.  Though some community is developed on Sunday mornings, it is only through a community group that many of these same needs can be met for the people of our church. 

You will have opportunities to serve your local community.

Our church is committed to ministering to the needs of our community and this is reflected in our community groups.  Each of our community groups selects and completes a community project each quarter.  These projects give us practical ways to show Christ’s love to our local community and to grow closer together within our community groups.  Past service has included participation in Santa Venetia Cleanup, painting for Marin Abused Women's Services (M.A.W.S.), supplies and gifts baskets for M.A.W.S., Open Thanksgiving in San Rafael, Christmas decorating, developing histories (oral and video) of elderly residents at Parnow House, and other direct services to individuals in need in our community.  For more information on ongoing or upcoming community projects, please contact our church office.

What will the group be like? 

This depends on the community group that you choose.  You will likely be greeted by a group of individuals that vary in age, gender, race, marital status, and life situation.  Some groups share a meal or dessert together before beginning their focused group time, so that members have additional opportunities to have fun and relate to one another.  During the focused study time, the group usually has a specific topic of discussion and study.  The group leader or facilitator leads the group through a loose discussion outline, giving people the opportunity to share stories from their experience, ask questions, seek input on their own circumstances, give encouragement and work together to solve problems.  The topic of study varies by group though often many groups may be discussing the same topic.  Most groups develop relationships outside of their meeting night by getting together for recreational activities, meals, community service, and to help one another with various needs. 

How do I join a Group? 

There are two ways to get involved in a community group.  You can sign up on Sunday mornings at the small group table in the lobby or you can contact our church office via email or phone (479-4700 or ccsr@ccsr.com) and we'll put you in touch with one of the community group leaders in your area. If you're not ready to join a group but would like to ask more questions or receive additional information, contact our office.  We'd be happy to answer any questions you might have